Page 18 of Under Ground

“You’re welcome.”

“I’m sorry we didn’t completely solve your issue with Casey.”

Lana sighs. “She’s one stubborn kid.”

I stand, and she follows suit, then walks to the door with me. As I open it, the chilly night air makes her shiver. “There’s just one more thing I want to ask you before I go.”

Her lips curl into a smile. “What is it?”

“When can I see you again?”

Her eyes grow wide—I’ve caught her off-guard. But this is so much more than Casey’s attachment to me now. I like Lana. She’s gorgeous, smart, and she’s tough. I admire that more than anything.

“You want to see me again?”

“I do.”

She glances back toward the hallway. “You know any date with me includes my three-year-old.”

I run my hands through my hair. “So, no chance of getting a babysitter for next Saturday night? I want to take you to dinner.”

She clasps her hands together, her brow furrowing. “I can try.”

You’re not getting out of it that easy. “If not, we can work something out, I’m sure. That’s if you want to see me.”

Her lips twitch. “Yes. I think I’d like that very much.”

I reach up and push that stray strand of her hair back behind her ear. Her eyes flash with surprise before a shy smile emerges.

“Text me when you’re ready. Either way,” I say.

She nods, and I take a step back.

“Make sure you lock the door. Take care. Both of you.” I pause for a moment to take one last look at her just in case she doesn’t call. This whole thing must be weird for her. She clearly didn’t think I’d be okay with the way Casey reacted to me.

But Casey’s looking for a fatherly connection—one I never had.

I understand that better than anyone.

6

Lana

The thought of dating hasn’t crossed my mind since before Casey was born. The last thing I wanted was another man in my life to complicate things, and the last thing I needed was to be left high and dry. Again.

And then there was Casey. At first, she was this little baby who cried all the time, and between exhaustion and leaky boobs, there was no way I was interested in even thinking about men.

As she’s grown, she’s remained the centre of my world. I’m the one person responsible for this tiny human, and I’m all she has.

Maria once told me that if I ever needed a babysitter, she’d be happy to do it. And it’s tough to think about it this way, but she’s the only person I can probably ask.

Besides, Casey loves Maria. She’s spent almost as much time with her as she has with me in her short life so far, which makes me sad, but also makes me appreciate that we have her.

Both of them light up when they see each other in the morning. It seems the perfect answer.

“Maria!” Casey yells as we walk in the door on Monday.

That. That’s what gives me the confidence to ask what I’m about to, even though nerves are eating my stomach alive. Not because I’m worried about what she’ll say, but more because if she accepts, then I’m going on this date.

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